The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced that Paul Philip is to replace Anthony Townsend as its next Chief Executive.

Currently Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer of the General Medical Council, Paul will join the SRA on 1 February 2014.

Before being appointed to his current role, Paul led the GMC’s medical ethics and disciplinary functions. He radically reformed the GMC’s disciplinary work, ensuring the organisation delivered against challenging operational targets at the same time as introducing wide-ranging cultural change.

He also led the development of the GMC’s in-house legal team, delivering multiple six figure savings for the organisation. The team now deals with all investigation and litigation work on behalf of the council, with over one hundred staff.

Paul has previously held senior roles in both the Legal Services Commission and the NHS. He has both a first degree in law and a masters in law and was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn.